NATURAL HISTORY OF BRITISH SALMONIDJE. 163 



as it is situated directly below an almost perpendicular cliff, at 

 the base of which it forms a sort of lynn or caldron. In some 

 parts it is very shallow, but in others the water is black, and 

 apparently of immense depth. 



To the trout of Carraclwddy pools, near Rhayader, has 

 been attributed the singular propensity of croaking — indeed, the 

 ' croaking trout of Carraclwddy pools ' are regarded as amongst 

 the local lions. A writer who visited the pools some years ago 

 as an investigator avouches the croaking. ' When first taken,' 

 he says, ' and even after they have been in the basket for some 

 time, they do decidedly utter a peculiar croak, which the natives 

 attribute to their having been bewitched by the monks of 

 Strataflorida Abbey ; others again assert that it is an attempt 

 to speak Welsh ! ' Owing to the colour of the water which 

 filters through the peat these trout are nearly black. 



Instances of such varieties might easily be multiplied, but 

 whenever there can be any reasonable doubt as to their specific 

 distinctions I am all for simplifying rather than for complicating. 

 The fewer unnecessary species that are created by ichthyologists, 

 the more chance has ichthyology of becoming generally popular, 

 especially amongst fishermen. 



In regard to each of the two admittedly distinct species — 

 Salmo fario and Sahno ferox — a few general observations will 

 probably enable the reader to distinguish them without the 

 necessity of resorting to a minute comparison. 



We have not in the present case the same prominent 

 differences in the teeth, shape of the gill covers, &c., by which 

 the migratory trout and salmon are so clearly defined, and for 

 ready points of distinction we must rely upon colour, external 

 proportion, and localities ; these however will generally be 

 found sufficient for the purpose. Thus : 



The common yellow trout breeds indifferently in brooks, 

 rivers, and lakes, whilst the great lake trout is never found 

 except in or close to lakes (generally large and deep). 



The common trout is almost always spotted aver the body 

 with crimson, the spots in the great lake trout being in each 

 case surrounded by a paler ring, sometimes of a reddish hue. 



M 2 



